Munro Lake / Dennett Lake near Port Coquitlam, BC

NTS Map: 92G7. This 10 km hike is in the Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, just east of Port Coquitlam. It makes a pleasant day hike, close to Vancouver but far enough to ?get out? and leave urbanisation behind. The goal of this trip is not a summit, but one, no two, nice lakes. Throughout your hike, you'll make approximately 860m of elevation gain, and the trail is fairly well marked with signs and flags. The hike offers a variety of pleasures: On your ascent, you'll have some beautiful views over the Pitt River lowlands. When we hiked it, the trail was ?crowded? with tiny frogs in various colours and shades. We also ran into a wild turkey, and due to fortunate wind, it didn't seem to bother at all about us four hikers plus Hailey, our Australian cattle dog companion, being so close. Hailey, however, seem to have a clogged nose or generally defective smelling instincts, because neither did she detect the crowds of frogs we passed nor the bird. Another attraction along the tour, is the old-growth forest that you'll get to see, some beautiful yellow cedar and mountain hemlock trees.

Directions:

Turn north off Lougheed Highway (Highway 7), on the east side of Port Coquitlam, onto Coast Meridian Road. Continue until Apel Road, where you take your right (approx. 2.5 km), and then right again on Victoria Drive. When Victoria Drive splits (at the top of a hill), stay on the left fork. Follow the signs to Minnekhada Provincial Park. Go straight; the road's surface will turn into gravel at some point (Quarry Road). From the entrance to Minnekhada, it is approximately 3.5 km to the trailhead. There's a large sign at the trailhead. The trailhead itself is a rather unpleasant sight ? lots of garbage and litter. Don't let your trip be spoiled by that picture--the trail itself is really clean. Your route starts on an old logging road, just to the left of the sign. Follow that road for about 5 minutes, and then go right onto the marked trail. From now on, the route is fairly well marked with signs and/or flags. Approximately 1? hours into the hike, the trail becomes less steep, and you'll reach a relatively flat spot. Shortly after that, you'll enter old-growth yellow cedar and mountain hemlock. From now on, the trail is more even, but also quite muddy and wet, especially early in the season. Taking your gaiters might be a good idea. Soon after that, we encountered the first snow-covered spots; also we noticed the more chilly air. 15 minutes from the flat spot, there's a junction marked with orange signs. You'll go on straight (left will take you to an old ski village) and you'll reach Munro Lake soon. To continue to Dennett Lake, make your way around the east side of Munro Lake, which we found less muddy than walking along the west side. Watch for the flags that mark the turnoff for Dennett Lake. Continue for about 1 more km, in which you make another 160m of elevation. We walked most of the time on snow here, and Dennett Lake was still frozen. Still, it's a beautiful spot to spend some time, on the east side of Burke Ridge, especially when it's a sunny day. To descend, we took the same route that we came up. Map: Port Coquitlam 92-g-07

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ByPosted By: anthonymaw
- Sun Jul 31 10:26:10 EDT 2011
Not Rated
UpsideGood workout going up and coming down. Makes for an interesting day hike for the first time. DownsideMostly hiking under dense tree cover. Lots of deep mud and some slippery rocks. Waterproof boots and gaiters are highly recommended. CommentWorth doing once, but otherwise unspectacular. The trail to Dennett Lake goes around the east side of Munro Lake. There is a somewhat confusing network of multiple trails.

ByPosted By: Metcalfe
- Sun Jul 25 17:18:25 EDT 2010
UpsideGood workout, shady eventually. and worth the hiking. DownsideTrail becomes overgrown after 10 minutes, stays so for twenty minutes and mind the thorns. Take water for dogs - first creek was 2 hours in. CommentTrailhead is unmarked on left, 3.9 Km after you hit quarry road. looks like a small turning area with some junk around.

ByPosted By: bclerch
- Sun Jul 25 14:11:37 EDT 2010
Not Rated
UpsideJuly 24, 2010<BR>Dennett Lake was amazing. A diamond in the rough! Warm enough to swim in. Unexpected size! The hike up was a great workout. I am thankful there were switchbacks and not a trail going straight up the mountain. The trail is mostly in the shade so good to do on a hot summer day. Trail was well marked all the way to Munro and Dennett Lake. DownsideTrailhead is not marked. Not many good views of Pitt River on the way up. The trail was very overgrown in some spots. Lots of bugs (bring bug spray!) If you bring a dog, there's not water for them to drink on the way up at this time of year as all of the creeks are dried up. If you hike just to Munro Lake you may be dissapointed. At this time of year, and I think year round now, Munro Lake is more like a pond. At one time it was rather large because there was a dam there. Most maps still shows Munro Lake as being much bigger than it is. You must go to Dennett Lake, which is only about 1/2 hr from Munro Lake. CommentThere is no sign at the trailhead. Set your odometer to 0 when you pass Minnekhada parking lot on Quarry Rd. Go approximately 3 km and the trailhead is on the left. You can either park on the right or left side of the road. There is a marker on the road there that says "12". The trail is very well marked. There are 3 main intersections on the way up. The first one is about 5 minutes up the rocky large path at the start. Take a right at this junction. If you were to keep going straight you would go to a nice river. At this time of year the river isn't so impressive as it is flowing slowly. In the spring the river is beautiful so you may want to stop at it then. So once you turn right you go up a nice trail along side the river. Eventually you cut away from the river and the trail becomes overgrown for a while. It does open up later on. You hike in an area with brush and fewer trees for a bit then it's back into the forest where the trail opens up. There are elevation markers on the way. Munro Lake is approximately 840 m. It's about 4 km to Munro and another 1-2 km to Dennett Lake. The next intersection you meet is one to a viewpoint of to the left. I have never done this viewpoint so i can't comment on it. To continue on to the lakes head to your right following the main trail. Near the top it flattens out a bit and you go down a bit in elevation. The next intersection is about 15 minutes away from Munro Lake. The trail to the left goes to a cabin or what was once a cabin I believe (it's called something like Cabin trail). Go to your right to get to Munro Lake. The markers indicate this too. To get to Dennett Lake go around the east side of Munro Lake. There are makers which eventually take you to a trail in the forest. Cross the small river. This trail is very muddy but well worth it!! After about a half hour and around 100 m elevation or more, you reach what you may take to be Dennett Lake. It is a small pond similar to Munro Lake. This IS NOT Dennett Lake. Go to your right and follow along the pond towards to big rock face ahead. There is a marker which tells you where to go. Eventually you reach Dennett Lake. It's beautiful. If you follow the shore off to the left there is a few place to sit and even a campsite big enough for one tent. Sit at the lake for a while, take a swim. The water is great! Takes 2-3 hrs to reach Munro Lake and another half hour or so to reach Dennett Lake. Head back down the way you came up. Some prefer to travel west down Burke Mountain which is less of an elevation change (easier on the knees) to the gun club then taxi back to the trial head at Quarry Rd. The trip down to the gun club (you can also go up this way) is longer but not as steep. Enjoy!!!

ByPosted By: Steiner
- Sat Mar 20 18:17:43 EDT 2010
UpsideWent up again today and either I didn't see it the first time or they installed a white post to the left of the road as you drive in that is marked 12?(I think). Still a great hike but on the way down this time I found an awesome set of waterfalls just off the trail. Not hard to find as you hear rushing water. Shortly into the trail you'll see a large boulder that says "Jesus died for us" (I belive) and shortly after that you'll notice there's a trail leading to it.. I decided to take a dip! Definately coming back on a hot day in summer. DownsideA lot of the growth of course is still dead, would be better to walk scenery wise in the summer. CommentWhat I suggest is starting this hike in the morning, relax for a bit at dennet lake and then if you go around to the other side of the lake there's markers. These are a VERY uphill climb and you'll need to use your hands most of the way but it's short. This leads you to the top and you can come down the other way towards the gun range off of coast meridian. What's nice about this is it's longer but not nearly as steep so it's better on the joints and you get to pass hourglass lake (gorgeous), lily pad lake, multiple waterfalls and an abandonded bulldozer. At the bottom i'd just pay for the taxi to get back to my car which wouldn't be more than $20.00 or have someone pick you up. I'd suggest going up from the gun range though first as there's many forks and you might have a hard time finding your way to the gun range if you've never hiked up it before.

If you want to wing it though then when you're hiking down towards the gun range you'll pass like a truck gate and a sign saying "burke summit" which will be in the opposite direction you're heading of course! At this point turn right and then keep left until you reach a T in the road, turn right and this will lead you to the range. =). I'm going to do this in a couple months and will post the trip with pictures and details along the way!

ByPosted By: john_lauritzen
- Wed Feb 24 12:27:22 EST 2010
UpsideFinally went up to Munro Lake Feb 21 2010. This trail is an awesome workout! My legs were telling me all about it the next day! The views from the lower and upper lookouts are wonderful. The trail is very well marked until you get to Munro Lake. I tried to follow some flags up to the lookout north/west from Munro Lake, but soon I could no longer find them and turned around to enjoy a wonderful lunch at Munro. There was some snow at the lake, approx a foot or two, but very easy to walk on, no snow shoes required. I can't wait to do this one again! I came across a hiker using poles to assist in his hike, something I will be sure to use next time, as he said will help in the upward and downward demands of this trail. DownsideThe only downside to this trail was the day after, sore legs. Soon got over it by biking up the Coquitlam River Trail. CommentMake sure you allow yourself 5-6 hours for this hike. Spending sometime at the lake is a must! I am going to head back up there over the next few weeks and find that trail to Dennett Lake and the Munro Lookout.

ByPosted By: Steiner
- Mon Aug 10 16:35:26 EDT 2009
Not Rated
UpsideJust went up last weekend (August 8) and it was foggy but a great hike. CommentJust to anyone trying this trail out for the first time, the trail sign at the start of the hike (where you park) is no longer there and the logging road is more like a rocky trail. Not too hard to figure out but for the first few minutes on the road to the trail start got me thinking "Is this the right way??" shortly followed by the start of the trail which is still well marked.

ByPosted By: wilkie10
- Fri Jun 26 17:23:43 EDT 2009
Not Rated
QuestionHas anyone done Munro and Dennett Lakes lately? If so, I was wondering if there was any snow still left on the trail or at the lakes, as I dont have any gear for snow, and currently have a sprained wrist so I want to avoid trails that may be slippery!
Thanks,
JasonANSWERS are in this forum: Munro and Dennett Lakes

ByPosted By: docdusty75
- Fri Apr 24 12:25:51 EDT 2009
Not Rated
UpsideIt was a fun trail to hike with cool little side attractions (viewpoints, small waterfalls, pools etc..) Well marked throughout the trail, even when I hit snow all the flagging was visible. DownsideStill about 11 ft. of snow at Munro Lake. I was up there on April 23 and the snow was very very punchy. Lots of water flow under the snow so be very careful if trying to walk from Munro to Dennett. CommentI will definately do this hike again later in the season.

ByPosted By: scottchy
- Tue Feb 03 23:35:18 EST 2009
Not Rated
UpsideGood workout, nice views,lots of geocaches on the way up to find,i enjoyed it with the dog,even in the winter DownsideOoooohweee man in the snow when no one has been up there for a while there is no foot path to follow, all you have are tree markers and common sense,maybe a gps :) some of the trail up,almost every quater, all markers dissapear. Making it difficult to navigate. Actually not a downside for me, but a welcomed lesson. CommentFor sure worth doing.

ByPosted By: LeePrimrose
- Sun Aug 03 12:24:41 EDT 2008
UpsideFairly well marked, relatively easy going. "Beatiful BC" scenery :P DownsideSwamp, bugs. CommentWe hiked up on the 26th July, after 3 weeks of sunshine, hoping that maybe the rumoured swamp would have dried up a little. Unfortunately, this was not the case. No matter the weather, take waterproof boots on this trail!

Despite the water and the mosquitoes, this was great fun. The trail is well identified for the most part, and the mist on munro lake first thing in the morning was gorgeous. We also spotted a pair of rough skinned newts frolicking, which was cool.

We are all completely inexperienced hikers (and campers), but only the least fit of us struggled, and that was with packs. We're planning to go back and explore further next week.

ByPosted By: biga888
- Mon Jun 02 17:15:55 EDT 2008
Not Rated
QuestionWas up there this past Sunday and there is lots of snow still.
It was very misty and I could not navigate too well, will come back in another month.
Posted some pictures.ANSWERS are in this forum: June 1 2008

ByPosted By: vbeliak
- Mon Aug 13 17:15:48 EDT 2007
UpsideClose to Vancouver, lightly used, pretty forest & lake. DownsideBugs at the lake, mud. CommentThe first pond you see is just a small swamp, and the actual lake is just a short walk past it. There are several camping spots just feet away from the lake. Bring a fishing rod if you like, there is plenty of rainbow trout, and if the time is right, they will bite right away. Only problem they are small, couldn't catch anything bigger than 8 inches.

ByPosted By: niftyniall
- Sun Jun 24 01:49:05 EDT 2007
Not Rated
DownsideThe map posted, shows the wrong route, from Munro to Dennett Lake. You should follow the easterly side around the first small pond, which is a part of Munro, and then cut across. Flagged with BLUE tape CommentBurke Mountain Naturalists, brushed the trail today, up to Munro from Quarry road. A major re-alignment of the upper area, that follows the creek is in the works this year. A new trail,(put in last year) to a lookout, that overlooks Munro, is found near the small pond on the way to Dennett Lake, flagged with blue&white flagging. Enjoy

ByPosted By: jd22
- Tue Aug 15 01:55:48 EDT 2006
UpsideVery quiet, some animals to see, trail is quite clearly marked - just keep an eye out, as the markers aren't always on a tree. There are a few on the ground or on fallen logs. DownsideMuddy. Horseflies at Munro and Dennet lakes. CommentThere's now a log to sit on the top, and a firepit. Better than the ground.

About halfway up there is a open hillside with rocks and fallen trees. There are some fast lizards living in the rocks, keep an eye out for them.

PLEASE DON'T LITTER! It is the most annoying thing ever to see litter on the path. If you want to litter, go hike up the staircase of a 30 storey building. What you bring up the mountain, take it down.

ByPosted By: niftyniall
- Wed Jun 07 12:58:08 EDT 2006
UpsideGood views, lots of small ponds, if you know where to go. Locally rare plants. DownsideSteep hike, for most folks CommentWe did trail maintenance on June,6,2006. 1 1/2 hrs to Munro if experienced, most folks do it in just over 2 hrs.

ByPosted By: samisosa
- Sat Mar 12 01:31:47 EST 2005
UpsideThe view is excellent and the lakes are beautiful. Very few people and very quiet!! DownsideLots of Mosquitos at the bottom of the mountain. Lots of garbage at trail head, dont let that disgurage you, it gets better. Plan to pack out what you pack in. I picked up a full bag of garbage along the trail on the way back... please keep the trail clean!!! Someone seriously needs to take a truck there and clean up the garbage because that trail is beautiful. CommentThe trail is fairly steep, with lost of switchbacks. I went in March and it was not mudy, put if it was wet out and raining for the past few days it would be very mudy. There was snow at the top and trail goes along a small creek at the top. Becareful for the old snow, you fall through on some patches.

ByPosted By: samsquampsh
- Wed Mar 09 20:51:12 EST 2005
Not Rated
Commentdoes anyone know where i can find some topo maps of the burke area

It seems that the garbage at the trail head has been cleaned up. The trail itself is quite narrow and there were a few places were it is not very clearly marked. It is also not easy to pick up the trail from Munro to Dennett Lake.

The first half of the hike is quite steep. The downhill descend can be quite hard on the knee. I did see a frog on the way.

It took another half hour to get to Dennett Lake from Munro Lake. The trail was wet, slippery, muddy, and covered with bushes. The trail then ended abrupted at the lake. There is no place to sit or even stand comfortably. It is not worth the time and effort to get up there.

ByPosted By: dirtydeputydog
- Mon Oct 27 22:20:12 EST 2003
UpsideI think Cuda went to Minekada Park and not up Burke. Burke is an excellent mountain to explore especially on snowshoes. Try approaching from the Coquitlam Lake side via the gun club on Harper Rd. Also don't miss the trail around Monroe to the old dam. DownsideThe route described here is actually the old red trail developed in the 60's when there was a ski village on the mountain. Some of the trails have been neglected and too many people have tried to assist by tieing surveyors tape to every other tree. Patience and some water proof boots are all you need. CommentBurke is my favourite place to hike. Not a lot of people and just a little wild and bushy.

ByPosted By: toad
- Sat Oct 04 17:58:03 EDT 2003
Not Rated
UpsideDennett Lake is very nice DownsideBurke is just not an impressive Mountain, the summit scenery is not worth the bushwack from Dennett Commentwe hiked to Dennett then summited the ridge from there

ByPosted By: r-a-m-a
- Mon Aug 18 20:42:50 EDT 2003
Upsidewildlife to see on the way up and not very busy even on weekend. Downsidepoor marking to Dennett Lake.

ByPosted By: Cuda
- Sun Aug 03 00:28:21 EDT 2003
UpsideEven without finding the lakes there are beautiful views from the High Knoll and the low knoll, the wildlife in the marshes are incredible to stand and watch. DownsideDidn't find the lakes even with the instructions I found it very difficult. Some trails were closed as well.